The Dragon Lord's small party moved out, forced to split their already small number, as he dared not leave the Badlands undefended in his absence. “You're in charge, Ember. I know you and Smolder will take care of things,” said Spike who handed her back the Bloodstone Scepter, unable to shake an ominous premonition but knowing he'd appear weak if he backed down now. Besides, he simply couldn't leave potential allies to their fate, especially since they'd aid them in confronting the Eldritch.

With the aid of Twilight and Sunset, the latter still using the book Sparkle let her borrow to keep in contact with Beatrix, they were easily able to track the source of where she'd disappeared. The group teleported nearby. Sand clouds rushed around them, trailing over the torn up earth where digging machines had split rock and carved up Fancy's current base.

It was eerily quiet when they peered into a chasm. “Are we too late?” Twilight frowned and shook her head.

“We can't be,” said Shining Armor who fingered the hilt of his sheathed sword, grimacing.

“Our daughter's tougher than that,” assured Trixie despite her own anxiety-stricken face. “Let's move in, shall we?”

“Allow me. I'm the hardiest one, after all.” Spike grinned, decked out in a loin cloth, his armor-like scales bared. His wings spread and he swooped down into the black abyss below. Blood and rubble greeted his slit-like eyes which pierced the gloom. But he strode forward without hesitation until he finally spotted a couple of lithe figures huddled in the collapsed tunnels.

Growls sounded when a number of hulking Diamond Dogs swam into view, claws and teeth bared. A halberd with a fleur de lis design for its blade was leveled at his broad chest. “Wait, you are...? Stand down,” she called, relaxing her tensed muscles.

“So you've come,” said Fancy Pants who walked up to stand beside his wife. “I'd welcome you, but...we're in a poor state.”

Trixie marched forward and planted hands on her hips. “Where's Beatrix?!”

“Gone,” he said with a sad shake of his head. “Like most of them, taken by the Eldritch to who-knows-where.”

“Even that devil Sombra couldn't stop them,” spat Fleur with a curl of her full lips. “He destroyed a few of their infernal devices, for all the good it did us.” She swept the weapon's point over the smelted husk of metal and bone.

“Damn it.” Shining punched a rocky wall with a gauntlet-clad fist. “If they hurt her-”

“I've failed,” admitted Fancy who sunk his head and let silent tears roll down his face. “We're at your mercy, Spike.”

“No!” Fleur grabbed and shook him. “We can rebuild on our own, start anew-”

Gently he removed her hands. “I'm old and tired. I would have lost to Sombra if this latest disaster hadn't played out. And now? I'd wager Spike is our best chance at success.” He bowed down and stared at the ground. “Please, allow me to serve, Dragon Lord.” For several moments Fleur haughtily raised her snout, but eventually she fell to one knee, offering her services too.

“Sure, I'll take you in. We're all in this together, right?” Spike placed his claws under their chins. “Rise, you two! Once I bring you back to the Badlands, and take you to the Pleasure Gardens, I'll be able to make you my lieutenants!”

“He did the same for me,” said Shining with a grin. “Helped me get this nifty armor and sword, too!” He sobered, remembering what they'd come here for. “Is there any way to track Beatrix further, Twiley...?”

“No luck. The source stopped here,” admitted Twilight.

“And she hasn't written back since,” said Sunset who slowly shook her head. “Maybe we can follow the tunnels?”

Spike knew it might be suicidal. But if they didn't act, there was a chance all hope for them would be lost. “Blast it.” He needed to be decisive. “Twilight, would you take our new guests back home and give them a proper welcome?”

“Sure, but why me?” She looked to Sunset. “I mean-”

He raised a claw to quiet her. “Sunset's been keeping in contact with Beatrix, and she's nearly your equal in magic. But I need someone to make certain things are okay back home, and besides, your mission is just as important!” He turned to the Diamond Dogs. “I know it's a lot to ask, but will you help lead us down there? It's probably the one chance our friends have!”

The creatures huddled and took a moment to confer. Usually they didn't interact with anyone but Limestone and the other miners, but their alpha stepped forward and offered a huge paw which Spike took and shook. He hated to call on them like this. They'd been so poorly treated by most of Equestria, but this was their world too, and they also wanted to save it.

Once everyone was ready, he trailed behind the pack who led them, more following beside while he and his followers headed ever deeper into the earth. He hoped Twilight would forgive his decision, the latter having taken Fancy and Fleur with her, but right now he had greater concerns. It was a bitter reminder no place in the world was truly safe anymore.

While he and the Diamond Dogs were attuned to the shadows, ponies weren't so blessed. Sunset was about to light up his horn, but Shining shook his head, showing off by unsheathing his white blade and letting its glow illuminate the way. She smiled and Trixie's laughter echoed, a rare moment of levity before they risked a confrontation with the Eldritch...

Beatrix Belladonna furiously scribbled what she could into the diary before she, Bellatrix Primadonna, and Sombra were all swallowed up by one of the hellish undead dragons; a combination of cybernetics and necromancy which hummed low while they pumped blood through their hollows. Currently the trio were blotted in shadow, trapped in its ribcage.

Repeatedly she fumbled for a smoke bomb but found herself unable to move much, already squashed into a tiny space where they were bundled up. “Hey, do you mind?” She'd lost track of how many times someone touched her ass. “Now isn't the-”

“Oh, sorry.” Bellatrix giggled. “It's just so cozy here, your cushion's so soft, and I'm bored...”

While the two were bickering amongst themselves, Sombra tried to call upon any spell he could muster; to no avail. He was simply too fatigued from the last stunt he pulled and any pressure he tried to push could prove to be more damaging than good. “It won't be long until we're in the Eldritch's clutches... And to think, I'm yet to meet my doom again with you two. Perhaps it is fate...” he muttered to no one in particular. Yet rather than lament over his predicament, he continued to try and ponder some way out of it. It wasn't the first time he'd cheated fate for his life and it wasn't going to be the last!

It felt like hours had passed once their transport finally came to a stop. It s bony mouth open, and they were ejected when it spat them out, tumbling onto the floor of a lab carved from skeletal remains infused with hunks of machinery. Blood churned in large tubes. The threesome immediately prepared their attack, realizing that they were surrounded by Eldritch.

A pained shriek sounded from further within, and another bone dragon stomped into view. Inside its ribs was Inky Rose, who'd been stripped naked, arms, legs, and wings spread. A number of thin coils were attached to her, driven into her flesh and even inside her lower orifices, and make a slurp-like sound while they slowly siphoned small trickles of blood from her.

“Careful,” came a voice from someone who hid in the lab. “Or I'll order it to crush her to a messy pulp!”

Beatrix swallowed. “I've never heard an Eldritch speak or tongue before, and aloud at that-?”

“That's because I'm not an Eldritch. At least, not yet!” There was something familiar about the feminine voice which echoed in a distorted manner. “They've realized their limitations, and about how those who come from Equestria might aid them!”

Around them more dragons moved into view, their prisoners similar restrained, among them Pacific Glow, Limestone, Diamond Tiara, Somnambula, Octavia, and Vinyl Scratch, along with some other ponies who mainly stayed in the background. “Gross,” said Belladonna with a sneer as she stared at their limp, half-conscious forms being drained. “Show yourself, coward!”

A theatrical cackle sounded. “The Eldritch have no interest in sex. This was my idea, to use them as batteries, partially because it simply amuses me. Especially after ponies helped cause my downfall! But my partners resurrected me, too. Of course, it wasn't that difficult for them to undo my half-assed demise!” She paused for dramatic effect. “Very well! I'll show you!”

Once the figure stepped closer into view, Sombra's eyes dilated in mere shock at who their capture was; recognizing an all too familiar face. “You..!” Sombra snarled, studying a fellow would-be conqueror. “I shouldn't be surprised to learn you manage to avoid death like the cockroach you are! Am I too assume the centaur and pegasus also miraculously survived?!”

Chrysalis stepped from the gloom, a crazed smile splitting her face. But her loveliness was now marred by self-inflicted mutilation to convert herself to the Eldritch cause, bits of skin peeled away and carved open, portions of bone and metal woven into her still tall and voluptuous form. She was somewhere between gorgeous and grotesque, dressed in a black gown which bared her ample cleavage. “Perhaps I've said too much?” She made a clicking, insect-like sound, fluttering her wings.

“You've betrayed Equestria to save your own skin?!” Beatrix stared her down.

“I've adapted to survive,” answered Chrysalis. “Like a metamorphosis! Surely something sweet Bellatrix Primadonna understands, at least? Hasn't she become your pet? Why, you're still pretending to be a cute unicorn rather than the abomination you are deep down Beatrix,” she noted with a nod at the eyes and lips on her costume. “And as for Sombra-”

“Spare me your insignificant wittering, Chrysalis. I would rather have remained dead than lose my mind and soul to such wretched abominations! I thought you would share that same respect. But clearly you have no problem taking orders like the lowly bitch you are..." He sneered at her, not even trying to hide his disdain.

Her only retort was to glare at him dead in the eye before waving him off dismissively.

Noticing how much the former Queen loved to talk, Belladonna decided to help tease out more information. “How did you find us? I mean, the Eldritch were digging around the wastelands, but don't tell me they just stumbled on our base...?”

“It's all your fault, Beatrix!” Chrysalis slid closer, laughing in her face. “If only you could have left well-enough alone and abandoned Bellatrix! But no, you had to pretend you're noble and save her, didn't you? She's like a beacon to the Eldritch since they brought her back to life! They prepared their machines, waited until your party stopped moving, and swooped in!”

“N-no...” Beatrix rapidly shook her head, tearing up. “I didn't mean to-”

“Intentions matter little!” Chrysalis danced around them, knowing they dared not make a move to attack her, not when they were surrounded by a crowd of bone dragons holding their allies hostage and a host of Eldritch around her ready to move in. “From what the Eldritch have told me, haven't you screwed up enough already? How many more will you get killed?”

Bellatrix raised a hand to her mouth and yawned. “So where does that leave me? I'm just along for the ride, really. I don't care about this world or any other. But you still need my sister, don't you?” The succubus turned to the witch.

“More like we need what she truly is,” said Chrysalis with a nod at the Prima Materia. “She'll be their dark messiah!”

Tiring of this farce, Sombra moved to intervene, only for Inky to whimper as the tubes sucked from her faster. He froze with a glare, Chrysalis shaking a finger and smirking at him. Bony claws reached from behind him, pinning him in place. Its digits encircled him, and no matter how much he twisted and strained he found himself unable to budge.

“Let me help,” said Bellatrix who twisted her sister's arm behind her. “They're starting to bore me, anyway!”

Chrysalis tilted her head, considering, while the alien voices which she could partially understand now thanks to the cybernetic implants they placed in her that translated their language. “Very well, the Eldritch will give you a chance to prove your loyalty. Hold her down.” The succubus grabbed Beatrix by her wrists, and pulled her onto the cold floor, crouching with a grin.

“Traitor,” cried Limestone who strained her muscles as she strained against her undead prison.

“I was never on your side,” said Primadonna with a shrug. “I always back the winning team! And so...” With her tail she plucked of Belladonna's hat and tossed it aside. Then she slid the spade under the top of the leotard, the eyes opening and bleeding, the mouths hissing and drooling while they salivated. Fabric ripped down the middle, setting the witch's tits free.

“My, they are lovely.” Chrysalis licked her full lips. “And I haven't had much chance to indulge myself.”

“You'll need to break her in,” said Bellatrix. “Once she's lost her mind, she'll be easy to convert! Go ahead.” She slid her tail further, into the crotch of the costume, until it completely ripped and sank below her, baring her sister's crotch. “Fuck her hard into submission. We'll take our time with you...” She forced the tip into Beatrix's mouth, whose protests were muffled.

Every time Beatrix tried to work a spell the voices of the Eldritch reverberated in her head. It was like a mantra, a method to try and transform her, which would fully take effect the moment her psyche was shattered. Tears dripped down her face as she wondered if this was some sort of petty revenge; after all, she'd once forcibly bound her sister to serve her, breaking her away from Sombra's control. But unlike him, she'd offered her quite a degree of freedom and real affection, hadn't she?

And this was how she repaid her? She was tempted to simply give in and surrender. Her body went limp when Chrysalis allowed her dress to fall, revealing a rather well-endowed shape, marred in places like the rest of her by self-inflicted wounds and the metal and bone woven into her shiny skin. She parted Beatrix' thighs, opening her maw to reveal rows of sharp teeth.

Tensing up, Belladonna shuddered when an elongated, sticky tongue slid out, probing her labia until it forced its way deep within. “Mmph,” she managed with the spade still lodged in her mouth, reflexively arcing up her crotch while the slippery muscle wormed its way into her birth canal, brushed her g-spot, and pressed at her cervix entrance until it sank into her womb.

“I think she's loving this,” said Bellatrix who rested her knees atop her sister's wrists, freeing her to squeeze, slap, and bounce Belladonna's twists, her nipples twisted and stretched hard between her laws. “Oh, but I hate to leave dear Sombra out. After all, he more than anyone made me who I am!” His captor pushed him closer, and the succubus turned her head to him.

Claws undid the crotch plate of his armor, which fell with a clank, and she ripped off his loin cloth below. He let out as hiss as she traced his half-erect stallionhood and testicles; added by a subdued groan while she stroked his meat. “Ah, yes~! I've missed this cock. It's just as big and girthy as I remember~!” She cooed happily before closing her yellow eyes and diving in, devouring as much of his horseback down her throat before she sloppily sucked and bobbed on him.

'D-Damnit... Never thought I'd be here again!' he cursed internally while unwanted pleasure boiled in his loins.

He and Beatrix squirmed, the latter's thighs now completely drenched with the lubrication she expelled each time Chrysalis cleaned her core out by lapping at her moist walls. Finally she withdrew from her gaped sexhole, licking her lips slowly and sensuously. “That was a nice warm up. But I think it's time I show you what a changeling is really capable of!”

The former Queen's body underwent a transmutation, parts shifting with creaks and squishes, her insides also rearranged. From her backside arose a bulbous ovipositor, which she raised and aimed at her victim's sopping cunt, lifting her legs up by the ankles while she prepared to mount her. “While there's only ever one Queen of the hive at a time, she's capable of shifting her gender as needed, just like all her workers and drones. I can fill you up with eggs, then inseminate them while they're inside you!” The stinger-like tip poked and prodded at her prey's labia, who was wide-eyed and shaking her head.

“Don't fret, Sombra dear. Your corpse will make a wonderful nest for my young once I've finished with her. I've always wanted to know what it must feel like impregnating a male~!” She cackled before she unceremoniously plunged the tip deep inside Belladonna; making her shriek and arc her back as she was penetrated until it prodded the back of her uterus. Chrysalis would continue to make her suffer as her hands squeezed and tugged at her udders while her long finger nails dug and cut into her tit flesh.

Wincing and biting around the spade, Beatrix was trapped somewhere between agony and ecstasy, speared to the point her stomach stretched in the shape of the stinger, which she feared would rip her right open. Not that her assailant particularly cared, given free reign by the Eldritch to break her fucktoy so long as she produced their desired results.

“A-Agh! Gruh... I will see you suffer dearly for this when I get out!" Sombra threatened, to the best of his ability while under the she-devil's ministrations. Feeling him throb, she took him balls deep for a final time before she felt his fat load spew into her maw and burning her stinging nostrils when it exited. A simple moan was muffled while she gulped it down; relishing in his pain of feeling so utterly dominated. Just the way her master once claimed her.

Saliva and precum ribbons attached his dick to her mouth when Bellatrix withdrew. She slurped down his seed and murmured, “Can I keep him? After all, I require constant release, and he can fulfill all my needs...” She flicked his half-flaccid penis.

“H-Hah! Once I've had my fill in him, I'll consider leaving you some of the scraps,” Chrysalis debated who could hear the Eldritch conferring in her skull. Not that she remotely cared at the moment; far too caught in the haze of her lust while she continued to batter Beatrix's insides. Her eyes moaned in her head, and she unleashed a continuous wail, unable to restrain herself anymore when she started to shoot the first fist-sized egg into her.

As forced orgasms crashed over Belladonna, her mind threatened to melt while euphoria-inducing drugs were injected straight into her at the same time, making her cervix entrance expand to better receive the eggs dumped into her. The ovipositor pulsed each time it laid another, well over a dozen ejected by now, and more coming as Belladonna bloated in the shape of them.

A wave of nausea rolled over Beatrix, but her poor brain was so addled with bliss she struggled to care, her eyes rolling all the way into her head, her face swimming with a dopey smile while her tongue lolled out. She was on the verge of a complete breakdown and it was the most wonderful thing she'd ever felt. Some crazed part of her wanted to remain here, to be forcibly bred by the Queen for the rest of her days, reduced to nothing more than a living repository for her hatchlings.

“A-and now I'll...inseminate them,” huffed Chrysalis who shifted her insides again, prepared to build up and loose a tremendous amount of virile sperm. While a hive Queen rarely chose to do so unless she was desperate, knowing such a release would leave her incredibly weak for some time, she gambled it would finally push her victim beyond the point of no return.

Walls crumbled when Spike burst into the lab, followed closely by his allies. His claws smashed into the bone dragon nearest to him, prying it apart; which set loose both Limestone who was trapped inside, and Sombra who slipped from its claws. Both the former captives were doused in a cascade of blood which powered it, but he barely took a moment to make certain before he moved on. Absolute chaos descended over the area, the Diamond Dogs rushing in droves to rip apart the Eldritch.

“Damnit...” Sombra chuckled, still unable to summon any ounce of dark flame from his hand while he gazed over to the large dragon. "This has been such a bad day for me. Of all the people to come to my rescue, it of course would be you..." Bellatrix spread her wings and flew away from him as Shining Armor raced past him; brandishing a white blade which arced at Chrysalis. She hissed and barely avoided a beheading, her ovipositor popping free of Beatrix when her gossamer wings furiously buzzed.

“You okay?” Shining looked in horror at the state of his daughter, offering a gauntlet-covered hand and helping her rise.

Belladonna's insides sloshed, her eyes hazy. Wherever she turned there was bloodshed and death; Diamond Dogs biting the heads off Eldritch, ripping them limb-from-limb, carving muscle open with their claws and teeth. They were also helping Sunset Shimmer liberate the entombed mares used to power the undead dragon skeletons. “I...I'll be fine.”

Guiding her to safety by letting her lean on him, he cut down more Eldritch who easily fell before the bite of his sword, cleaved in twain. Their dismembered parts littered a floor now slick with innards. Trixie moved to support them, dropping smoke bombs which caused colorful plumes to blossom around her family. However the Eldritch were still trying to invade her pscyhe.

“Get out,” cried Beatrix who touched her aching skull. “I'll never serve you! Never!”

“It'll be okay,” assured Trixie who squeezed her shoulders while they took cover behind some equipment.

“Trixie, will you look after her? Spike needs me,” stated Shining who looked pained at having to abandon them.

“I'll take care of them...” Sombra stated while carrying the unconscious Inky in his arms; laying her beside them. His gaze was as serious and determined as Shining's as he turned to address him. “It would seem the time has come for us to work together. Funny how things work out... Unless you wish to continue to fuel your vendetta against me?"

"Heh.... Between you and the parasite, I'd rather not waste my breath on you anymore. Just don't do anything to harm them or your head is next." He empathized by kicking the Eldritch's skull clean off.

With a chuckle Sombra gently placed Inky at his feet. But before Shining could rejoin the battle, a hiss drew their attention, Chrysalis suspended naked and upside-down from the ceiling. “Poor widdle Shining. Oh, how Cadance and Flurry Heart begged for you to save them!” She cackled melodramatically with a flicker of her shimmering wings.

“Come down here and face me,” demanded Shining who lit his horn. “Or else I'll rip you down and squash you!”

“Oh you'll get what's coming to you. There is much to share with you. But first... Let's discover the truth of the matter, shall we~?” Suddenly, the voices of the Eldritch were being telepathically cast from he; as if she was able to project their thoughts thanks to the implants in her, and they all nearly crumpled as she threatened to infect them with a madness she wished to share. Clutching his head, Sombra fought through the noise in his head and managed to toss a small sphere of magic; which she skittered aside from easily. “Ha! Such a clumsy toss, coming from you. It only goes to show that their untied voices shall shatter your equilibrium!”

“Once I've silenced their whaling, it won't be much to shatter your frail bones...” Sombra boasted despite the trembling his body was showing and as his allies fell behind him.

Chrysalis rolled her eyes before returning to taunt Shining; her snout spouting a smug grin. "Surely you must be aware that your daughter is the reason all this has happened, right?" She stated, taking glee in the change in his expression. "Equestria's ruination? The Eldritch Invasion? The Necronomicon? The loss of your beloved wife and daughter? All Beatrix~! All because she wanted to come here and be with daddy~"

“You lie,” choked out Shining who pressed upon the bloodied ground and tried to rise.

"A liar I am, but the cruelest deception comes from within, Shining. Why don't you ask her if you're so certain she's innocent. That is...if she hasn't already planned to abandon you lot. Haha! This is hardly the first universe she's doomed! She's a product of the Necronomicon, chosen of the Eldritch. Just a twisted little nightmare under the disguise of a cute dream! No matter where she goes or what she decides, her fate is sealed to bring catastrophe and chaos with her. It's simply ironic! Who would have thought that such kind and noble parents gave birth to such a despicably vile monster~!"

“I...I...” Beatrix ached all over, and found herself unable to meet the eyes of her parents. Alien voices thundered in her head even now, another attempt to twist her into what they wanted. Maybe she really was just making the situation worse; would they be able to save what remained without her? If she left now, perhaps the much smaller numbers of the Eldritch would lack the fuel need to follow her again to whatever awaited next? “F-forgive me, daddy, mommy. I...I love you, always...”

“Honey, wait!” Shining reached towards his daughter when she turned her back and summoned on her restored ensemble.

“Little hellspawn,” called Trixie affectionately while she too tried to stand.

However with her index finger Belladonna sliced an oval shape into the air, carving a nexus between realities, her face silently tear-stricken but determined. She shut out all the voices the best she could, especially the ones pounding inside her. A hiss exploded from Chrysalis who dove at her, but another black orb jutted from Sombra's palm, knocking her off-course in a gooey spray. She wailed and twitched on her back, but he took little notice, chasing after the witch before the rift closed.

Emerald flames escaped Spike's gullet. His stomach burned with an inferno, but he took care to make it his first priority to rescue the hostages, his carefully controlled blaze melting steel and flesh. And when necessary, his muscular arms snapped bone, tossing aside Eldritch with ease. Most of those here were scientists first, but even their warriors proved no match for him.

By the time he finished the lab was in absolute ruins. Gore splattered walls and dripped down them. Unfortunately several Diamond Dogs had fallen in the bedlam, and he stopped to close the eyes of one, hearing the whimpers and howls of their fellows who'd been dragged into this war. Limestone tried to comfort them, then turned and stomped on an Eldritch carcass, its chest messily caving in underfoot. She heaved and wiped at the crimson mess that matted her thin fur coat all over.

“Thank you,” said Somnambula. “Unfortunately, Chrysalis and Bellatrix escaped.” She nodded at the trail the Queen left.

Pacific Glow leaned on a wall for support. “Should we pursue?!”

“I don't think so,” admitted Spike. “We're all tired, and it could be a trap. Who knows whether they have lots more of those things are worse further in?” He nodded at a dragon skeleton. “Creepy. It's like I'm looking at a lost relative!”

Shining Armor sheathed his sword and saluted the Dragon Lord to make his report. “Beatrix and Sombra vanished. And I don't mean they simply slipped away. She opened up a portal and they took off.” He strained, closing his eyes.

“I'm sorry.” Spike placed a claw on his shoulder. “Maybe Sunset or Twilight can track them?”

“Probably...if she still has my diary,” noted Sunset who studied the mangled remains of the interior. “ There's always a chance the Eldritch might have summoned reinforcements. Let's not hang around here, okay?”

“You said it!” They'd lost more lives than they'd saved, and while the Diamond Dogs weren't part of his clan, Spike felt their deaths as if they were his own all the same. Ember and Smolder would probably tell him he's too soft, like always, but weren't they all fighting to reclaim a kinder, gentler Equestria? Regretfully, there wasn't time to bury them.

He comforted himself with the knowledge they'd smashed another Eldritch lab, to boot, and slain dozens more of them in the process. “Everyone, group up so Sunset and take us back home. I'd like to give everyone a hero's welcome!”

Stepping through the bluish-white swirling rift in time-and-space, Sombra followed the inter-dimensional traveler to a rather quiet place; an eerie stretch of desert cast in a somber shade of blue where a zephyr washed over him. The moon hung suspended overhead. While he was certainly pleased to know that he was capable of traveling through dimensional wormholes like the witch, he wasn't a fan that they were now in an even more desolated land. He pondered why she chose to come here in particular; thinking maybe it was a simple mistake. That's when his eyes found an overturned caravan with its star decorations halfway submerged in the innumerable dunes and understood.

With the gateway now closed behind him, he realized the both of them were stranded until she decided whether or not she wanted to return. Grunting, he approached her with a sharp glare to his gaze. “We have to go back! This isn't the time nor to place to try and hide from your emotional trauma, Beatrix!”

“Just go away! I never asked you to follow me, I just want to be left...agh! Alone...” She said before she fell to her knees, cradling her belly as it gurgled sickeningly. Sombra's expression soften upon getting a much clearly look at her sorry state. She looked paler than normal, no doubt from having all her magic and energy drained while her belly was packed to the brim with unfertilized eggs that left her feeling nauseous.

“We can't just leave those things inside of you. We have to take them out...before things get really unpleasant...”

“Ugh! Yeah, I know...” Her insides grumbled louder, cold sweat pouring from her skin. “This is so undignified. Here I am, proud daughter of Shining Armor and Trixie Lulamoon, running away again while infested with changeling eggs! How can I ever live up them when I'm such a coward?!”

“Whining about it will certainly get you nowhere." He grumbled, rolling his eyes. "Look...I know a way to extract the eggs. But the moment they're out and you can walk properly, we're heading back. Unless you rather I leave you here to die what will surely be an agonizing death..."

She hissed at him before she sighed in defeat. “Fine! Just...hurry!” With a casual wave, she banished her costume. But to her surprise, Sombra had removed his own cape to allow her a place to lie down. “A-Are... you sure? I'm probably make a total mess of it-”

“I have little time to concern myself with my luxuries...” He admitted, though deep down he was really debating on having her soil his favorite attire. “If left untouched, those things can prove fatal. And I'd rather have you alive...” Her eyes widened at his statement, almost touched by his words as if it sounded that he really valued her and need her...

“Besides, I'm still in need of that body of yours to fulfill my needs~”

Annnnnd there it is. Mood immediately gone.

Still, she couldn't help but giggled deliriously; her senses swimming. “Typical Sombra~ Always thinking about his fat dick and his fatter ego before anyone else!” She heaved before squeezing as he opened her thighs wide. He lit his horn as his aura formed tiny hands to open up and stretched her birth canal. He carefully widened her pink tunnel and cervix, which leaked a thin trail of lubricant. “S-So we're going to try and push them out..?”

“Well, it's either that or I cut open your belly,” he mused darkly. “Your choice, little one~”

“...okay.” She turned her head to one side, then whined when he worked a spell.

“Now... I'm going to temporarily control your body. All you need to do is relax and allow my magic to flow through you. Take deep breaths...” Reluctantly, she rendered herself completely vulnerable to him, really hoping he wouldn't have further uses in making her his flesh puppet.

But as she felt his powerful aura fill up her mind, her body, her nerves, her muscles, her nethers started to quiver, gushing, and she burned pink when her bladder emptied. It felt like her body was tricked into trying to give birth! “Good... Now push!”

Gritting her teeth with a grunt, she pushed her vaginal muscles to force out what she could out of her tunnel. Soon enough, a wet pop sounded when she expelled the first moist egg which jutted out from her and landed in a cloud of sand. She continued with the next egg; all while Sombra squeezed her hand and directed her in order to help ease the pain while she loosed one egg after another. She sobbed during her 'labor'; her insides feeling like they were being ripped apart with each release.

By the time the last one was emptied, she was still slightly swelled and on the verge of passing out. Her hazy eyes struggled to meet his when he cleaned her sore lower half with a simple spell and an unstained portion of his cape. “That's the last of them.... You did very well.”

“T-Thank you.... Not just for getting them out but.... F-For not taking advantage of me for once...”

“Heh. It's not as fun if I had complete control over you. But don't worry about that now. There will be a time to collect...” He sighed, taking a seat beside her as he gazed over the dunes of sand that stretched out beyond the horizon. “So this is the aftermath of this version of Equestria?" He asked in a somber tone. "This is what happens once the Eldritch succeed. A fitting place to exile yourself...”

“I doubt the Eldritch will follow me here. And even if they did, so many were wiped out and... who knows how much fuel they have left? At least here, I can't be in the way of things for mother and father. They can set everything right...cause knowing me, I'd just screw everything up again...”

“Oh, cease with your wallowing and woes. When did you become so childish and self-demeaning. You're a grown mare!” He called out. But before he could continue on his tirade, he watched her huddled up and resume quietly weeping. A weary sigh escaped his brutish appearance before he cupped her cheek to turn her to face him; his other brushing her mane and some stray hairs sticking to her face. “Listen to me. Let go of what Chrysalis said. She's using that to get under your skin and destroy you piece by piece. You need to accept the reality of the situation and.... Well, knowing your stubborn father, I doubt he would abandon you, even if you're this dark messiah to the Eldritch.”

“But I abandoned them! Just as she said I would.... That's why I don't deserve their love. It's because of me that their world is doomed too. Not even my sister stood by my side! It didn't take much for her to betray me...”

A wry chuckle was given by the tall unicorn. “If my memory to my past lives serve me correct, she was most likely attempting a childish ruse; positioning herself to attack the Eldritch from the inside. Unfortunately, she lacks the subtlety that come through experience, so she may not survive her petty machinations.”

“Oh, Sister...” She closed her eyes, feeling him wipe away her tears as she sniffled “Have you...ever loved someone? Like at all in your life..?”

Her question pierced through him like he was struck with a spear. He was never one to opening himself up, let alone to a complete stranger who mostly served to amuse him and date his desires. Yet she was much more than that, he admitted quietly. He had known through fighting with her, against her, that she was someone he could value as a comrade...and maybe even a friend.

“... I did," he answered after a moment of silence. "She was the only one who was there for me. I loved her so much.... And yet in the end, we ultimately choose to pursue different paths.” He opened his fist before clutching it tightly, enough to make his knuckles look pale. "I of course, chose the path to power..."

“You betrayed her,” she whispering, filling in the blanks. A small nod was all she needed to confirm her suspicions. “And what about Inky Rose? Is she more than just someone to use? Surely, you care for her much more than just another whore...”

“Mmm.... A useful vassel. When all of this is done and I am free to take command, she has a strong chance of becoming my Queen. Of course, given my reputation, there isn't a lot of mares so willing to line up and accept me. But maybe.... I'm just glad I won't be alone the next time they decide to return me back to purgatory...”

This was a rare spot of vulnerability to be showing and Beatrix couldn't help but yearn for more of this mysterious stallion stained in sin, black magic, and an ever looming shadow. Reaching over, she took his hand, curious to his reaction. And surprisingly enough, he held it with a tenderness not too familiar to him. Sombra had realized she felt terribly scared and alone. And in what must feel like her darkest hour, she turned to him for support and serenity.

As the two turned to each other, trapped in their gaze, it was only then did they accept the truth. The two of them were very much alike, in terms of where they stood and how they felt. Drawing closer, she experimentally kissed his lips. His eyes widened before slowly closing to embrace her and pull her close as the kiss grew more deep and passionate.

In many ways, she still was a child; forced to grow up too fast and yet never having truly matured at all. Much like the Flurry Heart of her world. But while Flurry had been sheltered by her father, rendering her sweet and innocent, Beatrix in turn had been taught early in life by Trixie that life was often hard. And that she needed to be selfish and cruel sometimes.

Surrounded by war from the moment she was born, Beatrix learned from her mother how to be street-smart; even if it meant becoming a tad amoral in the process. Hardly what her father would have wished should he have known he fathered her many years ago. He shook those surfacing memories away, seeing a young rebellious version of himself within Beatrix then he cared to admit.

Yet unlike her, he'd chosen to climb his way to power; no matter the cost. She might be in her lowest state, but it was obvious to him she desired to have control in her life. Desired to control those she held tightly to her.

And who was he to deny her?

He allowed her to coyly remove his armor; let her take her time as shivering under his touch. This was far different from any form of intercourse he had with anyone. Certainly, they'd had sex before; mostly by his manipulations and force. But this felt more intimate, far more powerful and intoxicating. As if an admission that despite everything he did to her or how despicable she found him, she did like him.

As she settled into his lap, she shyly met his eyes with a soft blush. He drew her in closer to his well-built chest before he easily sliding into her; holding her in an embrace almost too sweet and tender to be true! Brushing aside more of her small tears, he slowly moved with her; basking in their partner's body heat. They nipped and nibbled, letting their hands wander.

And then he wondered; what if he liked her, too?

Well, maybe he did. Probably for the same reason she did; they understood each other on a level only the two of them could comprehend. She placed a palm over his heart, feeling it's heavy beats through his chest. This made him snicker softly as he leaned in close to her ear. “Look at you~” He whispered. “How are you the same sassy little minx that could think she could get the best of me? She's a fine magician, I'll give her that, but her magic and power could use a little more... guidance. If she were willing to work with me, I would happily teach her what I know... and maybe perhaps.... We could take down the Eldritch together...and put an end to this madness, once and for all.”

Beatrix considered, holding hands with him, and nodding once. She moaned softly, constricting around him, and he soon followed, loosing himself inside her. He held her to him when she started to slacken. Oh yes, she had far more potential than she realized. And he'd help her realize it; turning her into another powerful caster in this war against the Eldritch.

And who knows. This could prove to make her more loyal to him. Maybe even enough to back him up when it came time to choose between him or Spike to lead the alliance. Only time will tell.

Gooey trails slicked the cave while Chrysalis stumbled down it. Her wings buzzed uselessly, damaged in her mad flight to escape when she'd crashed into a wall. She couldn't hear the Eldritch in her head anymore, and felt so alone again, like when the hive betrayed her and sided with Thorax. With nowhere to turn, she aimlessly sought to escape to nowhere in particular.

Was that light at the end of the tunnel? She smiled, deliriously, stumbling towards it and bleeding out all the while. Then she paused, a feminine silhouette with tiny horns, wings, and a tail swimming into view. “B...Bellatrix?”

“Indeed!” The succubus spread her wings and glided over, touching down before her. “Going somewhere?”

“Freedom,” wheezed the former Queen. “H-help me-” A claw lashed out, nails raked across Chrysalis' throat, which opened. She clutched her neck, choking on her splattered insides, gurgling. Trying to crawl away, the she-devil stomped her back with a snap, her shrieks echoing when the demon sang and pulled, dismembering her piece-by-piece.

The severed parts still twitched even after Chrysalis expired, her slimy insides trailing down Primadonna's curves. A foul odor filled the atmosphere, but she hardly minded, used to far worse when she'd traversed the Necronomicon.

But what to do now? She couldn't return to her former allies. Not only did they think her a traitor, but her presence was a beacon to the Eldritch. “So sad. No one to mourn you. I can relate.” Aimlessly she considered her next move.

She tossed aside an arm and floated down the cavern with flaps of her wingspan. The exit loomed closer. But she sniffed the air, catching a subdued scent from somewhere close by. Her yellow eyes scanned the shadows, seeing a lithe figure hidden there. Someone she realized had been shadowing her and Chrysalis for sometime, prepared to intervene if necessary.

Claws stabbed out ready to pierce the observer. “W-wait!” She paused, a moment before the wide eyes staring back. The mare lowered her hood, unkempt green hair spilling about her freckled face, her loose cloak hiding her tiny form.

“Who are you? Speak fast!” She grabbed the stranger's neck, ready to crush it. “Are you with Fancy Pants or Spike?!”

“I'm...I'm all on my own,” she muttered. “My name's Wallflower Blush. I followed Sunset Shimmer through the portal, wanting to help, but before I could even make her aware of my presence, everything went to absolute hell. I ran away when the Eldritch attacked, realizing I couldn't do anything as I was, and I ended up separated, having to run, hide, and scavenge to survive.”

“Assuming that tale's true, you must have some talent to survive this long on your own!”

“Well, it helps most don't seem to notice me. Even the Eldritch don't seem aware of my presence most of the time. I used to think it was a curse, resented it, but now? Well, in a strange way I'd like to think myself blessed.” She coughed when Primadonna relaxed her grip. “Thanks. Trouble is, I might not be the only one who followed Sunset through the portal before it broke...”

Taking a moment to consider her story, Bellatrix chuckled. She swiped away the mare's cloak, revealing a pair of wings pinned to her back. “A pegasus, huh? Those are pretty rare these days, from what I've heard. Most of them died in the initial war.”

“I don't know why. Maybe because I wanted to escape when I first came here and the magic reacted to my subconscious?”

“It doesn't really matter. Want to team up?” She twirled her tail around Blush's scrawny legs. “We don't have anywhere to go, and it'll be a riot, I'm sure.” After a moment Wallflower subtly nodded, and fell into step alongside her. Bellatrix noticed she was armed too, a small bow and quiver strapped around her, likely to hunt whatever she could find in the wastelands. Did they eat meat in that human world? Admittedly the she-devil soon brushed aside her curiosity, more concerned with a little fun!

Granted, she was putting Wallflower in danger being around her, but she'd look after her, and maybe Blush would compensate her? She twirled a digit through her messy mane, looping it around her finger with a subdued giggle.